Interviewers Love These Questions
Everyone knows that at the end of an interview, the hiring manager will ask you if you have any questions. You should never refuse this invitation, and should always ask a few intelligent questions to showcase your interest in the job. To help you out, here are 20 insightful questions interviewers love hearing!
1. Ask for a Summary
Asking the interviewer to summarize their experience with the company towards the end of the interview is a powerful question. It lets the interviewer know that you are interested in getting a sense of the culture at the company. As you are ending your interview, this also indicates that you are evaluating everything that you have learned about the company so far before making your decision. On a separate note, most people like to talk about themselves and their experiences, so you may also have the interviewer engaged.
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2. Job Culture
You should also consider asking about the company culture. It allows you to gather insights into team dynamics, shared principles, and the everyday atmosphere that might not be evident from the job description alone. Posing this question also conveys to the interviewer that you are evaluating long-term compatibility with the company culture.
3. Why There’s an Opening
While a bit risky, it’s pretty common to ask why there is an opening for the job you’re applying to. You will learn if it's a newly created position, a replacement position, or if the company is expanding and why. You will also learn more about the job and show your interest in the company's situation.
4. Defining Success
Ask what success looks like in the position you are applying for. This helps you to get a sense of the major objectives and key performance indicators that the company values and considers important for this position. This question also shows the interviewer that you are an action-oriented professional.
5. Department Problems
You should also ask about the biggest challenges facing the specific department you will be assigned to. It will also give you a clear idea about the current areas of focus and issues you might be able to assist with, in case you are offered the job. Plus, the question will display your ability to be a proactive problem solver who will also come with potential solutions.
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6. Common Challenges
Consider asking about the biggest challenges new hires in your position face. This question helps you gain a clearer understanding of potential obstacles and areas where additional support or focus may be required. It also conveys to the interviewer that you are realistic and proactive in addressing difficulties.
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7. A Snapshot
Requesting a description of a typical day allows you to see the daily tasks and operations firsthand. This question shows interest in the position and will help you envision what a normal workday will be like as an employee. It also shows the interviewer that you are interested in the position and are taking it seriously.
8. Any Reservations
Ask them if they have any reservations about you that you can address. It provides an opportunity to address any potential issues head-on, allowing you to clarify and elaborate on your qualifications. Additionally, this question signals your openness to feedback and a genuine interest in self-improvement, further strengthening your candidacy.
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9. Managing Projects
You should ask the interviewer how the company likes to plan and manage projects. This can help you assess their organizational style and workflow. You can learn about the tools, processes, and team dynamics they use to ensure successful project completion. Additionally, it shows that you care about efficient execution and teamwork.
10. The Onboarding Process
Inquiring about the onboarding process demonstrates your interest in the company's approach to onboarding new employees. It allows you to assess the resources, training, and support available to help you acclimate and succeed. This question shows that you are proactive in ensuring a smooth transition and getting up to speed quickly.
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11. Current Improvements
You should also ask about areas the company is currently trying to improve in its culture. This question gives you an understanding of the company's level of self-awareness and dedication to growth. In addition, it shows that you care about the work environment and its development.
12. Previous Qualities
Ask them what their favorite qualities from previous employees are. This will assist you in learning what strengths are essential to the company and which they hope to carry forward. The question also demonstrates your desire to follow in the steps of one who was already good at their position.
13. Preliminary Research
Do some research on the company so you can ask things about what you read. It shows that you are truly interested and have been preparing for the job interview. You do your homework on the company in advance and think of ways you can help the business. You could ask about particular projects that the company is undertaking to show your interest and demonstrate how you could contribute.
14. When You Were Interviewed
Ask the interviewer what they would have liked to know before they got their job. This question is a more detailed way of asking for advice. It helps you gain insider knowledge and practical information that you wouldn't be able to uncover on your own.
15. An Action Plan
Ask them what their biggest problems that you can solve in your first six months are. This question also helps you gain clarity about the company's current priorities and areas where your skills can add the most value. Moreover, it reflects your proactive mindset and willingness to contribute early on.
16. Management Style
Consider asking the interviewer about their management style. It allows you to gain insight into what it might be like to work under this particular manager from an insider's perspective. This question also demonstrates that you value effective communication and are committed to ensuring a good fit within the team.
17. Career Trajectories
You should ask about the potential career trajectories for the role you are applying for. It will allow you to get a better idea of where you can go with the role in the long term. Plus, this question will tell the interviewer that you are a driven individual who is looking forward in their contributions.
18. Best Part About the Job
Ask the interviewer about their favorite part of this job, which demonstrates your authentic interest in the workplace culture and employee experience. It allows you to gain personal insight into what makes the company an excellent place to work. This question also helps to build rapport.
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19. About the Team
Inquiring about the team you will be working with demonstrates your curiosity about the people you'll be collaborating with every day. You can also learn about the size of the team, roles, and their working style. It also shows that you value teamwork and care about fitting in with the group.
20. The Perks
Ask them to tell you something positive about working here that you won’t find with other employers. This question allows you to uncover hidden perks, values, or company culture that may not be immediately apparent from the outside. It also indicates that you are seeking a workplace where you can truly flourish and feel appreciated.
